What will the Hearings Division do with a case referral?

Within 5 days after the effective date stated in the referral notice under § 45.26(c)(4), 7 CFR 1.626(c)(4), or 50 CFR 221.26(c)(4): (a) The Hearings Division must: (1) Docket the case; (2) Assign an ALJ to preside over the hearing process and issue a decision; and (3) Issue a docketing notice that informs the parties of the docket number and the ALJ assigned to the case; and (b) The ALJ must issue a notice setting the time, place, and method for conducting an initial prehearing conference under § 45.40. This notice may be combined with the docketing notice under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.